Missional Women

I'm so glad you are here! I hope during your visit you get a glimpse of God's heart for we become what we are gazing at. I pray that God refreshes you and gives you readiness to persevere in what He has for you today. My desire is to be a blessing to you in helping you know God more and make Him known so I've made theses Resources and tools available to you and write a Weekday Devotional to provide insights from God's Word

I Could Never Raise Support

This is a big obstacle that stops people before even considering going on a short or long term missions trip. From my experience it is the largest hurdle to overcome. It seems money is something very hard to trust the Lord with, perhaps it's because of a tight grip on it?

It is also an obstacle having one of the biggest blessings if it's overcome. When we loosen our grip on what's rightfully God's and humble ourselves to how He wants to provide, He shows Himself great. When we allow people the opportunity to partner with us in investing in eternity it allows them to store up treasure in heaven. But if we aren't even to go there, we are robbing and opportunity for God to bless them and for them to be a blessing to God.

So here are some common objections or thoughts in regard to raising support:* I don't want to beg for money.We are representing Christ and are His ambassador. When we asking people to hold the rope for us as we are lowered down into the fields of harvest, we are giving people an opportunity to participate in fulfilling God's promise and plan for the world. That isn't begging.

I have had many people tell me they were honored that we asked them to part of the team. One time a guy told us he had actually wanted to support a missionary but just didn't know how and we were an answer to prayer. It's unwise to assume people will think you are begging. The reality is that many people will be encouraged by being able to have a part in your ministry.

* I just don't feel comfortable asking for money.Matthew 6:19-21 describes the relationship between a person's heart and their wealth.Because money is so important to people it will tend to be an uncomfortable subject of discussion. But just because something is uncomfortable, that doesn't mean we shouldn't do it. We can expect conflict when we challenge people to give to the cause of Christ, but it leaves room for the Holy Spirit to work in their life.

And really, the last thing Satan wants is God's people using their financial resources to more effectively reach out to the world with the hope and forgiveness of the gospel. Just as Satan doesn't want us to ask those uncomfortable questions following the circle diagram in the Four Spiritual Laws because we ask f or a decision of the heart, be assured he doesn't want you to challenge individuals regarding their treasure. He would take great delight if you kept silent about your financial needs.

The Apostle Paul, in defining our role as an "ambassador for Christ " said, "God has committed to us the word of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:20). To the extent that proclaiming God's Word requires money, our role as ambassadors may even include raising funds. A soldier would not expect comfort in battle. So as you ask individuals to give to the cause of Christ don't become discouraged when you encounter resistance. Realize you are on the very cutting edge of spiritual battle. It's the strategic nature of what you're doing (raising funds to spread the gospel) that makes the battle so intense.

* Doesn’t' the Bible say god helps those who help themselves?No. Somebody said that, but it isn’t in God’s Word. Throughout the Bible God has chosen to give man the privilege of participating in God's promise and plan for the ages. He wants to use you to win others to Christ. Review again 1 Chronicles 29 and you'll notice that King David was instrumental in channeling the resources of God's people toward the goal of building a physical testimony - a temple to the Lord.

In 1 Chronicles 28 and 29, David wanted to build a temple for the Lord but wouldn't try to do it alone. By him asking them to partner with him, it allowed them to use their time, giftings, and money to serve the Lord. And just like the peoples attitude of gratefulness of getting to be a part of the building, people walking with the Lord also consider it a joy to be part of what God is doing.

* Isn't it enough to simply ask God to supply my finances and then wait patiently for His provision?Yes and no. Yes - Habakkuk 2:4. Above all it is our first responsibility to trust in the Lord. He delights in us as we exercise child-like faith.

No - Exodus 14:15 illustrates that in addition to praying and trusting the Lord we must also respond by taking personal initiative. As the Egyptian army chased the people of Israel they found themselves caught between the advancing troops and the Red Sea. In this context note God's instructions to Moses: "Then the Lord said to Moses 'Quit praying and get the people moving! Forward March! Use your rod - hold it out over the water and the sea will open up a path before you and all the people of Israel shall walk through on dry ground! I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians and they will go in after you and you will see the honor I will get in defeating Pharaoh and all his armies chariots and horsemen. And all Egypt shall know that I am Jehovah.”

* Given the economic uncertainty of our time, people won't be able to give.During the great depression of the 1930's, giving was still strong, down only 13 percent! Statisticsshow that during the 1981-82 recession giving was up 12 percent from the previous year-- anincrease of $7.3 billion in 1982 to a total of $60.4 billion. In 1983 Americans gave away $65 billion.

People do have money to give and they will give whether we ask or not. Americans spent $8 billion on video games in 1981. That's $15,000 per minute. So, as you challenge individuals to become a partner you will be playing a significant role in channeling the wealth God has entrusted with others toward fulfilling the Great Commission.

There's the chance that those close to you may think if you need something you should earn it yourself. They don't want others to think your trying to get a free ride. And again you are not raising money for yourself. You are an ambassador to the King. And the organization you are going with is most likely a non-profit which depends on the contributions of individuals, businesses, churches, and other groups to sustain its ministry for Christ. You are asking others to give (as you are with your timetalent and treasure) to the cause of Christ